Discipline-specific knowledge and associated technical skills as well as generic skills have represented distinct and separate aspects of chemical sciences in university studies (linear training). In addition to technical skills gained through laboratory training, employers now require a soft skill set such as strengths in analytical thinking,…

Today's doctoral programs continue to prepare students for a traditional academic career path despite the inadequate supply of research-focused faculty positions. We advocate for a broader doctoral curriculum that prepares trainees for a wide range of science-related career paths. In support of this argument, we describe data from our survey of…

Martha Whiteley (1866-1956) was one of the most important women chemists in the United Kingdom in the first half of the 20th century. In a male-dominated field, she was an academic on the staff of a co-educational university, Imperial College, London, where she carried out research of her own choosing, rather than assisting a male professor. She…

Many graduate programmes in science now require courses in ethics. However, little is known about their reception or use. Using websites and interviews, this essay examines ethics requirements in the field of biosciences in three countries (the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and Italy) between 2000 and 2005. Evidence suggests that…

Discusses the increasing interest in the unhappiness in academic research and questions management and mentoring problems, especially in laboratory environments. Suggests that the individual level of the problem depends on the environment. Lists tips for a productive team of managers. Differentiates between management and mentor goals and focus…

The derivative nature of public sociology resting on academic research and theory is widely perceived as a central challenge to establishing its legitimacy for faculty recruitment, promotion and graduate training. While public sociology can be derivative, it need not be. This brief essay explains how, with three illustrations of large public…

Anatomy is recognized to play a central role in the education and training of clinicians, healthcare professionals, and scientists. However, in recent years, the perceived decline in popularity of anatomy has led to a deficiency in the numbers of new anatomy educators. The tide is now turning with anatomy once again taking its rightful place in a…

Relates interview responses of seven information brokers on proper practice of information and extent of malpractice (e.g., industrial espionage, breaches of client or source confidentiality). Types of protection against malpractice--contracts, good educational background for entry-level positions, continuing education, personal values,…

Presented two models for educating engineers in information counseling and information management. Described the main aspects of the professional roles in these fields and which qualifications are required. A postgraduate program (Germany) which qualifies for these functions is illustrated. Alternative form of education in information science,…

In 2004, the American Political Science Association (APSA) named a group of scholars to assess the current condition, problems, and options for improvement in political science graduate education in the United States. While the Task Force found that no single structure of graduate training could be appropriate for the wide range of institutions…

Curtin University has been offering first qualifying courses in the discipline of recordkeeping for over a decade. The undergraduate degree, the Bachelor of Applied Science (Records Management), began in 1990 and the first intake of students completed their studies in November 1992. The graduate program began as two separate graduate diplomas in…

Dr. Jerrel L. Yakel, a neuroscientist, heads the Ion Channel Physiology Group within the Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, in Research Triangle Park, NC. Overviews his academic career and his efforts to serve as a role model for Native American students. (LP)

Programs developing and supporting partnerships between scientists and elementary and secondary school classrooms have been funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) as well as other federal funding agencies. This document reports on a study exploring the impacts, challenges, and strategies of programs that link science graduate and…

Presents a model that can be used by social scientists to formulate and test choice alternatives to select the most ethical course of action when values are in conflict. Graduate students in psychology, education, and medicine have used the model to recognize and resolve ethical problems. (RM)

This report describes Department of Defense (DOD) education programs in certain science, engineering and technical fields. It does not cover the extensive in-service technical training and education programs DOD maintains to prepare military personnel for specific occupational specialties, and managerial and leadership responsibilities. Section I,…